Monday, November 30, 2015

Students Thankfully Help Soldiers and Vets

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, care packages for soldiers and veterans were assembled by a group of 42 parent volunteers, 7 teachers and close to 140 fourth graders. In total 35 care packages were put together, as part of Thankful Hearts from Caring Kids, a community wide service project held at Roderick Elementary School.

Throughout the month of November, families of Roderick School fourth graders sent in donations which included Q-tips, tissues, shampoo, razors, socks, pens/pencils, crossword puzzles, chap stick, deodorant, books, magazines, and DVDs. Students worked in groups of four and five with a parent volunteer to fill a care package. All items were located in the center of the cafeteria and parents, who had been given a checklist for the contents of one box, sent the students on a scavenger hunt to locate packs of tissues, Q-tips, and magazines. Items were wrapped in clear cellophane bags and tied with ribbon. In addition, students wrote thank you letters to soldiers and veterans expressing their appreciation and colored pictures.

Families were asked to send names and addresses of service members who would enjoy a care package. The remaining packages will be delivered to the Massachusetts National Guard armory in Taunton.

“It was absolutely astonishing to see such wonderful work done by our community," said 4th grade teacher Mrs. Rachel Thornton. "The students and parents all played a major part in making this project such a success. Beautifully wrapped packages of shampoo, soap, magazines and so much more will be sent to the amazing men and women who protect our country every day."

Thornton added, "We are so lucky to have such wonderful students and parents in the Wrentham community.”

The activity made an impression. Marilyn Saenz, a parent volunteer, had a nine hour drive ahead of her on Wednesday. She was hoping to beat traffic by leaving early on Wednesday, but her son was so proud of being part of the service project that she thought it was important to delay the trip. "Even though we wanted to leave early to avoid the holiday traffic, my son Ryan knew it was important to help the soldiers who couldn't be with their families," said Saenz. "So we decided we would all help. It was a great way to start the holiday."

Roderick School principal Dr. Vanessa Beauchaine commented that it was “an extraordinary event that reflected the true meaning of 'Thanks Giving' for our students, their families, our school community, and our global community.”